“Shame on you, Riyan Parag…” Fans erupt in anger at RR captain seen smoking an e-cigarette

Mullanpur: Despite a big win in the Indian Premier League 2026 on Tuesday (April 28), Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has found himself embroiled in controversy. During the match against Punjab Kings, Parag was caught on camera vaping (smoking an e-cigarette) in the dressing room, sparking an uproar on social media.

The incident occurred on April 28 during the match played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur. During the 16th over of RR’s innings, the camera panned to the dressing room, where Parag was seen vaping. Yashasvi Jaiswal, standing next to him, was pointing towards the field.

E-cigarettes and vaping devices are completely banned in India under the Electronic Cigarettes Prohibition Act 2019. Furthermore, smoking is strictly prohibited in stadiums and dressing rooms. This behavior by an international player and captain is considered serious.

According to sources, the BCCI will not take this matter lightly and Parag may face a fine or other strict action. Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder has previously been punished for violating PMOA protocols.

Regarding the match, RR achieved a mammoth target of 223 runs for the loss of 6 wickets, ending Punjab Kings’ winning streak. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Donovan Ferreira scored half-centuries, while Parag scored 29 runs off 16 balls. He was dismissed by Yuzvendra Chahal. However, after the match, the discussion was more about the Parag controversy than the victory.